Yesterday in the Rethinking Trauma webinar series, I had a conversation with Sebern Fisher, MA. Sebern is an expert in the use of neurofeedback and has seen tremendous success in implementing this revolutionary technology with patients.
Some of the questions that have come up repeatedly are, “How do I get trained on using neurofeedback with patients? What equipment do I need?”
Because I’m a bit of a techno-phobe myself, I asked Sebern about the training that’s involved and the kind of equipment she uses. And, since so many have asked, I wanted to share what she had to say – check it out below – it’s just about 4 minutes.
It’s important to note, neither Sebern nor I have a financial interest in recommending any particular neurofeedback system over another.
Even though Sebern talked about the system she uses in her practice, there are others versions on the market as well. I would encourage those who are interested in learning more about neurofeedback to do their own research as well.
You can find out more about methods used to treat trauma in our webinar series.
I’d like to hear from you. What interventions have you found most effective in working with trauma patients?
Does the idea of using neurofeedback appeal to you? Why or why not?
Love every bit of your article. Thanks again.
You made some nice points there. I did a search on the topic and found most individuals will go along with with your blog.
For anyone just starting out with Neurofeedback (and for anyone not happy with their current system|) I would highly recommend looking at NeurOptimal® which is non-linear dynamical neurofeedback (allowing each brain to adjust itself holistically in a way that is best for that individual).
You don’t need special training to have excellent results with NeurOptimal® because it is not used to push the brain one way or another. If you want to try it out, you can rent a system for a month or so, train as many clients as you like and see for yourself. If you purchase a system, you can be offering clients sessions within a week, it’s literally plug and play.
I became a trainer 3.5 years ago after seeing first hand what a difference it could make. I have a graduate degree and 20+ year career in a non-related field where I made a good living but I felt called to share neurofeedback with the world after seeing profound life changes in so many individuals. My child suffered needlessly for too long because no one told me about neurofeedback so I feel called to help save others from a similar fate.
Zengar has made neurofeedback safe, accessible and affordable for the masses. I am now a representative for Zengar – the maker of NeurOptimal® because of what I have seen, I do receive compensation if someone purchases a system and names me at the time of purchase, but that is because I am available to help new trainers with questions, financing and follow up which I have now devoted my life to.
I live on Auckland NZ and trained as a Oractitioner with Eeger in LA many years ago & also refresher courses with Moshe Pearl in Melbourne .
I’m looking at restarting my practice and woulc like to know where is the nearest centre to Auckland for me to Upfresh my knowledge , equipment
thank you
Lynn Ahman
Lynn.brainwaves@hotmail.com
I’m no longer certain the place you’re getting your info, however good
topic. I must spend a while finding out much more or figuring out
more. Thank you for excellent info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
The neurofeedback equipment appears to be so attractive, feeding our cultural love for a quick fix. However, I want to say whoa! Does research show any contraindications for use of these brainwave stimulators? If it is possible to encourage new neural connections, is it perhaps possible to deactivate unintentionally well-functioning neural connections? As we learn more about the “freeze” occurring in the brains of traumatized individuals, might there be other avenues, safer to the body, to visualize opening, rebuilding, rerouting, or closing specific brain circuitry with energy techniques, such as EFT, music, or possibly meditation? I should think the body would put brakes on an unhelpful energy technique, which it might be unable to do with a brainwave device. I am interested to learn more about this side of neurofeedback equipment.
Thank you for the opportunity to view these very informative webinars. One in four Americans will or will have expressed chronic depression, bi-polar or schizophrenia in their lifetimes. I believe, due mostly to ignorance and stigma, the diagnosis and treatment processes have for too long been pushed off into the sole purview of professionals and ignored, hands-off by all the rest of society. Because non-professionals are so ill-equipped to guide those in need, who fall within their spheres of influence, toward treatment, a too-high percentage go untreated. Sharing the knowledge is…a giant step for mankind. Thank you PS – Would have loved to have seen a demo of the equipment in use.
Thank you Ruth, for this interesting addition. I am trained in biofeedback and use it regularly, mostly through imagery and meditation, as well as using the machine-based techniques. The results have been all positive, especially with children diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, and trauma.
Sebern Fisher has an unusual gift in being able to cut through, analyze, simplify complex information. As the postdoctoral student of Barry Sterman’s who discovered SMR’s ability to inhibit a known seizure producing substance, I can testify that neurofeedback has very powerful effects on the brain.
Bob LoPresti
very interested in this, maybe it can help my nephew. Thanks
HI I am also trained in Neurofeedback and I have found it very useful as an adjunct to psychotherapy.
I thought the session was quit informative. Personally, I have a history containing a pre mature birth, a dysregulated caregiver and nervous system dysregulation in the family. I have done a LOT of work, including loads of somatic experiencing, other energy work, and also about 12 session of neurobeedback. I have significant sleep issues which the practitioner was sure would be helped by neurofeedback. It did not help at all (she found that I easily go into alpha , which I know and told her, but less easily go into theta and delta, which i also knew and told her). It was money down the drain (and I do not have insurance that would help with costs). I may be just one of those 10% in which it is not effective and/or
I was working under a practitioner not skilled enough to help me.
Wonderful webinar! How encouraging Neurofeedback can help so many surprising areas such as dyslexia, and giving hope to direct use in military locations.
Thanks NICABM!
Thank you for posting the information about neurofeedback. I am quite interested in this tool, but also feel tentative as I’ve talked to some clinicians that describe neurofeedback as some sort of panacea and and that generally makes me nervous when I hear people talk like that. I’m still digging around research papers trying to understand it more but hope to integrate it into my practice at some point when I feel more confident about the process.
Thank you for hosting these webinars. I have followed Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s work for over twenty years, and have been heartened by his inclusion of interventions that can offer profound relief (including EMDR, Neurofeedback, etc.).
What an exciting time to be in the field of supporting people in their journeys toward greater mental health. Neurofeedback takes the shame out of mental illness (Demos, Getting Started with Neurofeedback) by assisting clients to see how their brains are functioning, and moving toward more optimal functioning.
I am hoping that future webinars also look at Heart Rate Variability and other biofeedback measures to support “from the feet up” healing.
Thank you again Ruth!
I am just thrilled to see the interest in neurofeedback. I’ve been using it at my treatment centers for 15 years! I’m a big believer in integrative treatment which includes not only a person’s physiology and psychiatric issues but also their brains. In the behavioral health field, how can we expect someone to totally heal if we don’t treat the whole person including the brain. Everything in one’s system is affected by the disorder, whatever it might be. Neurofeedback works exceptionally well for depression, anxiety, OCD, impulse control, severe trauma, as well as substance abuse, among many other conditions. Considering the literature on substance treatment success and neurofeedback, anyone treating substance needs to use neurofeedback. Big statement, but when we’re looking at such high relapse rates in substance abuse as well as eating disorders, we need to use everything we can!! BTW we use a brain mapper as well as BrainMaster which is much more reasonably priced — somewhere around $2000. Used machines can be found. The investment is worth it!
Thanks for the info re. a more reasonably priced neurofeedback machine. I’m still confused as to which one to look at. Though, I think that’s putting the cart before the horse: training to ensure this tool is well within one’s scope of practice is vital, it seems!
Sebern’s presentation was excellent. She has sent me back full circle to the biofeedback equipment gathering dust in my garage from 20 years ago. I just may have to re-educate myself it the newer technologies as it seems to be a perfect fit with the current focus on brain plasticity. Thank you!
The EEGer4 systems for clinicians are upwards of $6,000+. That is way more than I afford!
I wonder how one can explore the possibilities of incorporating neurofeedback into one’s practice in an affordable way while making sure it remains in the scope of one’s practice.
To address a few of the previous comments:
SueMarie was concerned about wireless issues; only a small number of neurofeedback devices use wireless links. Most clinical grade units use normal wired connections.
Deborah asks about finding clinicians. BCIA is a good resource. Each equipment type or ‘school’ of practice also has their own list of practitioners. ISNR is the research and conference organization and they also have good intro material on the front page.
Patti asks about the EEGer system used by Sebern. This is the main equipment for EEG Education and Research. You can see their list of practitioners. Another prominent equipment used by clinicians is Brain Master . Sebern has also worked extensively with the Othmer’s, EEG Info. Each of these sites has their own practitioner list.
Here’s a link where Wiki lists 20 different neurofeedback companies
Can someone out there give us some personal experience or info on any of these or others? Does LENS fall in this category?
Would enjoy reading some first hand experience
I believe that there may be benifits for the person struggling with developmental trauma that is so embedded, or in situations such as Autism and the like. Having said that, there are two things that come up for me, which is….
#1. I would surely not want use it unless it were due to extreme cases as mentioned above, as I thijnk Sebern even mentioned b/c I would never want to advocate a clients “quick fix” way of overcoming…rather than Doing the rewarding approch of doing their work, especially mindfullness and EFT. I would want to explore their mindset of the easy or easier way…if that makes sence. I advocate taking responsibility and exercising leadership over their life as a first option whenever possible.
#2. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT…. After the webinar I googled the various machines available, and what I discovered is VERY frightening, as we clinicians are bound by “do no harm”.
What I learned was that the manufactuers of the equipment have ALL or Mostly done away with the analog type of machines, in favor of the HAZARDOUS to all life wireless devices instead. Yes wifi, cell phones and all the various and plentiful are wrecking havoc on childrens ability to learn, causing and perpetuating disease and conditions in brain and body like never before!
I have learned alot about this that never occured to me before the governments and utility companies “smart meter” devices being FORCED upon citizens everywhere ) I am currently fighting against this madness). Not only the fire and extreme security issues and higher not lower utility bills they decieve with, but the health hazards some experience right away, and some later on after accumulation to the brain and body occur.
This is not an alarmist thinking as the government and utilities want people to believe by scientists they pay to say it is safe. And you do not have to be a scientist to know this truth if you have hag high school science were we learned that all radiation/electricity causes harm to living cells and over time the detremental negative ramifications/ We all know that we should avoid unnecessary x-rays for example.
My strong viewpoint is… if I were to use this no doubt valuable tool when indicated, I would surely NOT use a wireless one, and I would go further to say that the professionals that do want to use them….demand that the manufacturers go back to analog versions due to the harm in the body all wireless devices cause.
Thank you so much for providing some of the latest research on the brain. I feel so outdated since I have been out of school for ages and there have been so many recent advances on brain science. I am trying hard to update my knowledge and skills to keep up and your organization has been a big help.
How does one find clinician’s who are trained in neurofeedback? Is there a specific website for reference?
Interesting interview. I’m interested in exploring Sebern’s Eager neurofeedback system and training but can’t seem to find info on this system. The last training I saw was in Sept. Where can i get more info on this system?. there are many out there and it is a bit overwhelming. Patti
This was a very interesting webinar. Coincidentally, I have been giving a lot of thought to brain frequencies and have been exploring brain waves states and how they affect our mental states. I have also been exploring the ancient practice of temple singing bowls, which I have found to be calming, healing, and help with sleep. These bowls, too, work with frequencies. In my mind, this presentation about neurofeedback reinforces this ancient practice for healing. I sometimes stream/play them in session while doing breathing work with clients. Although I work in an inner city agency that serves primarily medicaid clients with no funding for the kind of training and equipment required for neurofeedback, it does make me think that I’m on the right track.
I work with a lot of trauma patients and I am going to look into the training!
I’m very much interested in neurofeedback. I throughly enjoyed the webinar last night and I’m going to explore and research more information available on this new therapy. I’m a data person and I like the fact that the EEG and the neurofeedback can provide me with information about what’s happening in the brain. It appears to be more tangible and objective than the self reporting I normally get from patients. I’m very excited about this and will start researching more.